JPH10179746A - Auxiliary breathing device and its operation - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a patient to inhalate such damping gas while a damping device operates in a warming state by controlling the pressure of supplied gas in response to information on the humidity and pressure of gas and limiting the flow rate of gas to be damped to a required humidity level. SOLUTION: The patient 1 inhalates gas (air, e.g.) damped and pressurized by a damping device 8 from a nose mask 2 connected to a sucking tube 3. A controller 9 uses the set value and the actual values of a temperature (humidity) and pressure (or a blowing velocity) in order to control the humidity and the pressure of a gas stream flowing through the patient 1. Though the pressure and the temperature (humidity) of gas to be supplied to the patient 1 finally amounts to values set by a user, in order to constantly and surely supply humidified gas saturated by a maximum possible quantity of steam (within the limit of the damping device 8) to the patient 1, the controller 9 controls the speed of a fan 21 according to the humidity of gas (or according to the temperature of a heating plate 7).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a health care device for use in treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), that is, a respiratory assist device, particularly, but not exclusively, positive pressure breathing (PAP: PoP).
The present invention relates to a humidifier and a method for controlling the humidifier.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION OSA is a sleep disorder that adversely affects at least 5% of prostheses in which the muscles that keep the airway open normally relax and eventually become respiratory collapse, closing the airway. The sleep pattern of an OSA disabled person is characterized by a repetition of the snoring at the onset of sleep, dyspnea, lack of breath, awakening, and then returning to sleep. OSA disabled people are often unaware of this pattern occurrence. OSA people with disabilities are usually
Experience irritability and drowsiness during the day due to lack of good continuous sleep.

[0003] In one effort to treat persons with OSA disorders, a technique known as continuous positive pressure breathing (CPAP) was created. CPAP devices typically consist of a gas supply (or blower) with a conduit connected to a nasal mask to supply pressurized gas to the patient. The pressurized air supplied to the patient effectively assists and opens the patient's airway muscles, eliminating the typical OSA sleep pattern.

[0004] The use of CPAP devices is known to be associated with side effects such as dehydration of the respiratory tract or nasal passage leading to rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal passages). Because of this side effect, patients
They do not like the AP treatment, and the treatment itself increases the nasal resistance in response to the high airflow and reduces the level of pressure applied to the airways, thereby reducing the therapeutic effect. To that end, the CPAP humidifier has been improved. Standard CPAP
An improvement in the device is described in US Pat. No. 5,537,997, assigned to Respironics Inc., where the CPAP is equipped with a humidifier so that the patient can inhale the humidified gas. .

[0005] However, the mere combination of a well-known humidifier (ie, gas passing through the water vapor rising from the surface of the water in the water vapor chamber on the hot plate) and the CPAP device is a humidification CPA.
It does not maximize the benefits of P treatment. Sometimes, the hotplate heats up enough to supply the patient with unhumidified gas. It should be noted that the delicate tissue of the nasal passages swells after inhaling the non-humidified gas stream for about 10 minutes. It is therefore advantageous if the gas inhaled by the patient is constantly humidified (up to the capacity) of the humidifier at any point in time.

In recent years, CPAP procedures have been performed using a nasal mask. One patient became claustrophobic with a nasal mask,
This makes the procedure unbearable. Some OSA patients are forced to breathe orally and cannot tolerate gas through the nose. A relatively small mouthpiece or mask that attaches to the mouth is relatively easily received by most patients. Further, the resistance to gas flow through the nasal passage is greater than the resistance to gas flow through the mouth. Therefore, the pressure and flow rate of the supply gas is relatively low in a positive pressure breathing apparatus worn on the mouth, which means that the respirator installation is lighter and easier for the wearer.

However, in order to send gas from the mouth to the patient,
It is very important that the gas is always sufficiently humidified. Otherwise, a part of the mouth may be short (eg 2
Seconds) and becomes uncomfortable. In other parts of the mouth, the salivary glands are over-stimulated, resulting in excessive saliva, which makes swallowing difficult and even uncomfortable.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a breathing assistance device which can at least obviate the disadvantages mentioned above, or at least allows the public to make a useful choice.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a respiratory assist device according to the present invention comprises a device capable of supplying gas to a patient to assist the patient in breathing, and requires a predetermined pressure required. Gas supply means having pressure adjusting means for supplying gas at a level, means for indicating the pressure of supply gas such as gas pressure sensing means for determining pressure, and humidification means for containing and humidifying the supply gas And a humidifying means capable of variably humidifying the supply gas to a required humidity level, a humidification gas conveying path means for sending the humidification gas to a patient, a gas humidity sensing means for determining the humidification gas humidity, Controlling the pressure of the gas supplied by the gas supply means in response to the humidity and pressure information of the gas provided by the means for displaying the humidity and pressure of the gas of the gas flow passing through the humidification means. Characterized by comprising a control means for limiting the amounts humidified to the required humidity level by the humidification means.

The apparatus comprises mouthpiece means for use in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and which can be worn in the region of the mouth of a patient, said mouthpiece means being supplied from said humidifying gas transport means. The structure which can receive a humidification gas may be sufficient. The mouthpiece means may include gas outlet means for allowing the exhalation of the patient to escape through the mouthpiece means to the surrounding environment.

[0011] A nasal passage blocking means may be included to prevent the inhaled humidified gas from being exhausted directly from the nasal passage of the patient. The mouthpiece means may be connected to the humidified gas transport means by universal joint means to allow relative pivotal movement while closing the gas flow passage. The mouthpiece includes lip separation means that can be used to keep the patient's lips separated to allow inhalation of the humidified gas from the patient's mouth, and upper and lower teeth of at least some of the patient's teeth. The lip separation means may comprise a tooth separation means positionable therebetween, the lip separation means providing a gripping surface for retaining the mouthpiece means in the patient's mouth when the patient closes the lips.

Preferably, the control means controls the pressure of the gas supplied by the gas supply means when the humidity of the gas changes. The control means determines a humidity difference between a predetermined required humidity value and a humidity value displayed on the gas humidity display means, and the control means displays the predetermined required pressure value and the gas pressure display means. The difference between the pressure value and the difference between the humidity values, and the control means determines the required average rise. It is preferable that the variable pressure adjusting means be controlled so as to increase the gas pressure at a predetermined rate until the predetermined required pressure value is obtained.

The humidifying means comprises humidifying chamber means capable of storing a predetermined amount of water, and heating means for heating the water into steam in the humidifying chamber means, and gas is supplied to the humidifying chamber. The water vapor may be passed through the means and thereby humidified. The gas pressure indicating means may include a speed sensor for sensing a speed indication of the gas passing through the humidified gas conveying path means.

The pressure adjusting means may comprise a variable speed fan, and the gas pressure indicating means may comprise a speed sensor for sensing the speed of the fan to send the pressure information of the gas to the control means. The gas humidity indicating means may comprise a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the heating means to send the humidity information of the gas to the control means.

When the initial humidity value determined by the gas humidity display means is about 75% or more of the required humidity value, the control means changes the gas pressure from zero to a predetermined required pressure value for a predetermined period. In order to raise the pressure, the pressure adjusting means may be controlled. The control means, when the initial humidity value determined from the gas humidity display means is a predetermined difference lower than the required humidity value, to increase the gas pressure from zero to a predetermined required pressure value over a predetermined period. May be configured to control the pressure adjusting means.

[0016] The predetermined difference may be about 10 ° C. The present invention further provides a method of operating a breathing assistance device,
The apparatus comprises gas supply means, gas pressure adjustment means, gas humidification means, humidification gas transport means, and control means for storing predetermined required pressure and humidity values programmed to carry out the next step. I) starting the gas humidifying means to humidify the gas from the gas supplying means; ii) sensing a gas pressure indication; iii) sensing a gas humidity indication; iv) a predetermined required pressure. Determining a pressure value difference between the value and the sensed display pressure value; v) determining a humidity value difference between a predetermined required humidity value and the sensed display humidity value; vi) determining the pressure value difference. Dividing the value difference by the humidity value difference to calculate the required average rate of pressure rise with respect to humidity; andvii) controlling the gas pressure regulating means to obtain the required average rate of pressure rise until a predetermined required pressure value is obtained. Increase gas pressure.

The method may be used to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and include the step of delivering gas to the patient's mouth. Controlling the gas pressure regulating means may include the following steps: viii) repeating steps (ii) to (vii) to determine the value of the required average rate of increase of the pressure to determine the capacity of the gas humidifying means. In the above, the gas is constantly supplied in accordance with the change.

Sensing the humidity indication of the gas (iii).
And (iii-a) if the initially sensed humidity reading of the gas is greater than or equal to 75% of a predetermined required humidity value,
The following steps (iv) to (vii) are omitted, and the control means controls the gas supply means to increase the pressure of the gas from zero to a predetermined required pressure value for a predetermined period.

Sensing the humidity indication of the gas (iii).
Iii-a) if the initially sensed humidity reading of the gas is within a predetermined required humidity value, then from the following step (iv) (vii) is omitted, and the control means controls the gas supply means to increase the pressure of the gas from zero to a predetermined required pressure value for a predetermined period.

The step of sensing the humidity indication of the gas is performed by a temperature sensor sensing the temperature of the heating means, and providing the control means that the predetermined range is about 10 ° C. as gas humidity information. May be. The present invention further provides a method for treating obstructive sleep apnea, comprising the following steps.

[0021] i) generating a gas flow; ii) humidifying the gas flow; and iii) delivering the gas flow from the patient's mouth to the patient.

[0022]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is intended to be an embodiment constructed as described above and following. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the continuous positive pressure breathing (CPAP) humidifier shown in FIG. 1, a patient 1 is supplied with humidified and pressurized gas by a humidified gas transport path or an inhalation pipe 3.
Inhalation from the nasal mask 2 connected to However, the present invention is not limited to the transfer of CPAP gas, but can be applied to other types of gas transfer devices such as VPAP (variable positive pressure breathing) and BiPAP (Bi level positive pressure breathing). The suction pipe 3 is connected to an outlet 4 of a humidification chamber 5 containing a predetermined amount of water 6.
The suction pipe 3 is a heating means or a heating wire (not shown) for heating the wall of the suction pipe 3 to reduce the concentration of the humidified gas in the suction pipe 3.
May be included. The humidification chamber 5 may be formed of a plastic material, and may have a highly conductive base (for example, an aluminum substrate) that directly contacts the hot plate 7 of the humidifier 8. The humidifier 8 is equipped with control means or an electronic controller 9 which may consist of a microprocessor-based controller for executing computer software commands stored in the associated memory.

The input source of the controller 9 is, for example, an input means or a dial 10 for a user of the apparatus to set predetermined required values (preliminary set values) of the humidity and temperature of the gas supplied to the patient 1. May be. Further, the controller 9
Other input sources, such as temperature sensor 11 and / or flow rate sensor 12 to connector 13 and hot plate temperature sensor 14
Can be entered via. In response to the user inputting a set humidity or temperature value from dial 10 or other input, controller 9 controls hot plate 7 to heat water in humidification chamber 5.
Is determined (or when a certain water level is reached). When a predetermined amount of water 6 in the humidification chamber 5 is heated, water vapor is generated to fill the humidification chamber 5 above the water surface, and is sent from the gas supply means or the blower 15 and humidified from the inlet 16. The humidification chamber 5 together with the gas (for example, air) flowing into the chamber 5
Pass through exit 4. Humidity of gas in humidification chamber 5 and hot plate 7
Note that a relationship with temperature can be obtained. Thus, the temperature of the hotplate 7 can be used to determine the humidity of the gas by an algorithm or a look-up table (thus, the hotplate temperature is an indicator of the humidity of the gas, and the two conditions are interchangeable in this specification). Yes.) Gas emanating from the patient's mouth is exhausted directly to the surrounding atmosphere in FIG. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the heating temperature is used to represent humidity, but a humidity sensor can be used alternatively as appropriate.

The blower 15 includes a variable pressure adjusting means or a variable speed fan 21 for sucking air or other gas from the inlet 17 of the blower 15. The variable speed fan 21
In response to an input from the controller 9 and a predetermined value (preset value) of the pressure or the blowing speed set by the user, another controller or an electronic controller 18 (or a controller 9 by the dial 9) is operated by the dial 19. 18 functions). (As described above, the relationship between the blowing speed and the gas pressure can be determined based on the relationship between the temperature and the humidity of the hot plate 7,
Therefore, in the present specification, these two conditions correspond to dial 1
9 can be used interchangeably. ) In use, the user of the CPAP humidifier must use a blower 15
Determines the "set" value (or required value) (set value P) required for the gas pressure sent to the patient 1. The set value is set in the controller 18 by the dial 19. Similarly,
The user determines a “set” value (or a required value) (set value T) required for the temperature of the hot plate 7 and inputs it to the controller 9 by the dial 19. The dial for inputting the set temperature may be displayed as "humidity" for the convenience of the user. Next, the controller 9 sends the current temperature (current value T) of the hot plate 7 from the sensor 14.
And the current gas pressure (current value P) is determined from the speed sensor 20, for example. It takes 30 minutes for the gas to reach its set humidity level, depending on ambient conditions, flow rates and obstructions (eg, inflammation) in the patient's airways. The current pressure value is determined by the blower 15, the humidification chamber 5, or the suction pipe 3 connecting this device.
The speed of the fan 21 (the speed sensed by the speed sensor 20 or the command sent to the fan 21 by the controller 18, as described above, may be determined by a pressure or flow sensor installed in the fan 21). The speed can be used as the actual blowing speed) can be used to indicate the gas pressure.

Next, the controller 9 controls the temperature (representing the humidity) to control the humidity and pressure of the gas flow flowing to the patient 1.
And the set value and the actual value of the pressure (or blowing speed) are used. The pressure and temperature (humidity) of the gas delivered to the patient eventually reaches the values set by the user, but the maximum possible amount of water vapor (within the limits of the humidifier 8)
The controller 9 controls the speed of the fan 21 according to the humidity of the gas (or according to the temperature of the hot plate 7) in order to always supply the humidified gas saturated with the gas to the patient. As an example (see for example FIGS. 3 and 4), the following table sets the sensed and set (required temperature) and (relative) pressure (corresponding to the blowing speed) values at the start (initial) of the device. Out.

[0026] Temperature Pressure Initial value 20 ℃ 0cmH ₂ O set value 50 ° C. 10 cm H ₂ O Next, the controller 9 is required pressure change in order to obtain the required set pressure and temperature of the device ([Delta] P) and temperature changes (ΔT) is determined. In this case, ΔP = 10 cmH ₂ O ΔT = 30 ° C. Next, the controller 9 determines an average value required for increasing the pressure with respect to the temperature by ΔP / ΔT. In this case, this equation is 1
0cmH ₂ O / 30 ° C or 1 / 3cmH ₂ O / 1 °
Equal to C.

Thus, for every 1 ° temperature rise of the hot plate 7, the controller 9 in this example gives an instruction to the controller 18 until the pressure increases to 1/3 cmH ₂ O and the fan 21
Increase speed. In this way, the temperature and pressure of the gas supplied to the patient are simultaneously (at time t3 in FIG. 3).
Reach set value. The hot plate 7 is applied at the start of the CPAP humidifier and gradually raises the temperature to a set value (FIG. 4).
As shown). At this time, the controller 9 continuously operates the hot plate 7
Is appropriately stopped, and the voltage is applied again to maintain the set temperature. The controller 9 constantly monitors the temperature of the hot plate 7 until the set temperature reaches the required average value and continuously determines the required average value, or the required average rise value determined at the beginning is the same as the total warming. Used throughout the period. In this way, the patient can always inhale the humidified gas. This means that any slight water vapor present in the humidification chamber 5 at the start is carried into a light gas stream,
On the other hand, when the hot plate 7 reaches the required set value (so that more water vapor is generated in the humidification chamber 5), the blower 15 is controlled so that a relatively large gas flow is generated. .

When the temperature of the hotplate 7 approaches the temperature set at the start of the device (for example, if the patient temporarily leaves the room when using the device, the device is switched off and put into the ready mode. If so, the controller 9 may abandon its maintenance as the temperature and pressure increase. In this case, the controller 9 first determines whether the actual temperature of the hotplate 7 is about 75% or more of the required set value. In this case, the speed of the fan 21 is controlled to increase from zero to the required set value for a predetermined time (for example, 15 minutes). Optionally, the controller 9 comprises
If the actual temperature of the hot plate 7 is within a required set temperature range, for example, within a range of about 10 °, the speed of the fan 21 is controlled so as to reach the set value of the blowing speed within a predetermined time.
This optional step is a humidification in which the hot plate 7 is already warm and the set temperature is reached immediately (before the patient sleeps), so that the total air velocity is reduced for the set time and the gas is humidified. It is needed to humidify the gas within the capabilities of the vessel and / or to put the user to sleep before maximum flow is reached. The predetermined time may be set by the manufacturer before the device is sold, or for example by providing an additional input dial to the controller 9 to allow the user to control its value.

Another preferred embodiment of the humidification CPAP device is shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, the humidifier is equipped in the blower 15 so that the device comprises only one component connected to the patient via the same suction tube 3 and the nasal mask 2. In this embodiment only a single controller 9 is required. Reference numbers common to FIG. 1 indicate the same features of the present invention.

As mentioned above, it is advantageous to deliver gas from the mouth to the patient. This is also possible in this case, since the above-mentioned humidity and pressure control device always delivers the appropriate humidification gas to the patient, independent of the flow rate. Figures 5 and 6
Shows a suitable example of a mouthpiece that can be worn by a patient to inhale gas of controlled humidity and pressure through the mouth. The mouthpiece 30 is similar in design to the mouthpiece or snorkel mouth fitting of a diver's scuba device, and can be connected to the inhalation tube 3 so that gas is carried to the patient's mouth. The lip separation means 32 is configured to be worn between the patient's teeth and the lips. The lip separation means 32 is curved to accommodate the curve of the teeth (horizontally from cheek to cheek) and extends vertically near the junction of the patient's lips and gingiva. The tooth separating means 33 is provided on both sides of the mouthpiece 30 and can be mounted between the teeth of the patient, and the internal positioning means 34 can be positioned at the base of the mouth of the patient. Thus, the mouthpiece 30 is held in place by the lip means and the tooth means (especially when the patient "chews up and down", and also free of gas and humidity and pressure controlled obstacles) A passage is formed between the patient's lips and teeth).

A harness may be attached to the mouthpiece 30 to facilitate placement on the patient. For example, strip 3
4 may be attached to both sides of the lip separation means 32 so as to surround the periphery of the patient's head. FIG. 7 shows a mouthpiece worn on a patient. The patient is inhaling gas with controlled pressure and humidity as described above with reference to FIG.

The patient can exhale through the nasal passages or mouth.
If exhalation is to take place by mouth, a gas passage must be formed. Therefore, the universal joint 35 is connected between the suction pipe 3 and the opening 31 of the mouthpiece 30. FIG. 8 shows a universal joint 35, which includes a rotating or bearing part 36 and allows movement of the patient during sleep without stressing the suction tube 3 and the mouthpiece connection. Accordingly, the suction pipe 3 rotates about the mouthpiece 30. In addition, the universal joint 35 includes an outlet 37 through which the patient's exhalation passes (if exhalation passes through the mouth) and allows the maintenance of constant pressure at the mouthpiece 30 inlet. However, at times, a portion of the inspired air may enter the patient's mouth directly and exit the nasal passage without being inhaled. This "leakage" causes a pressure drop in the inhaled airflow at the patient's mouth, reducing the drop in the CPAP procedure. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a suitable nasal passage closing means (nose clip, peg, plug, etc.) in a part of the device in order to solve this condition.

[0033] Thus, the present invention provides that while the patient is operating with the humidifier insulated (and at set temperature),
Provided is a humidifying and breathing assist device that allows a patient to advantageously inhale humidified gas. In addition, the humidity of the gas delivered to the patient is maintained over that period of time within the humidifier's ability to humidify the gas, allowing gas to be inhaled through the mouth for the benefit of the patient and providing occlusive Enables treatment of disorders such as sleep (induced) apnea (OSA). Even when an unhumidified or inadequate humidified gas flow is passed to the patient for a short period of time (eg, 10 minutes), the nasal passages are significantly swollen,
This is extremely beneficial for the patient, as it is very uncomfortable even when delivered by mouth.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 illustrates continuous positive pressure breathing (CP) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
It is a block diagram of an AP) humidification apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a CPAP humidifier according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary graph of air pressure (blowing speed) versus time of a CPAP humidifier according to the present invention.

4 is an exemplary graph of humidity (actual hot plate temperature) versus time of a CPAP humidifier according to the present invention (corresponding to FIG. 3).

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the mouthpiece when inhaling gas from a mouth suitable for use of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the mouthpiece of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7: CPA inhaled by mouth according to another aspect of the present invention.
It is a partial schematic diagram of a P humidifier.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged sectional view of the swivel joint of FIG. 7;

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 nose mask 3 suction pipe (humidification gas transfer path means) 4 outlet 5 humidification chamber 7 hot plate 8 humidifier 9, 18 controller 10 dial (input means) 11 flow velocity sensor 12: Temperature sensor 15: Blower 21: Fan

Claims (28)

[Claims] 1. A gas supply means comprising a pressure adjusting means for supplying a gas at a predetermined pressure level, a means for displaying a pressure of a supply gas, a humidification means for containing a supply gas and humidifying the gas, The humidifying means is capable of variably humidifying the supply gas to a required humidity level, the humidification gas conveying path means for supplying the humidification gas to the patient, and the humidity and pressure of the gas provided by the means for indicating the humidity and pressure of the gas. Control means for controlling the pressure of the gas supplied by the gas supply means in response to the pressure information to limit the amount of the gas flow passing through the humidification means to be humidified by the humidification means to a required humidity level A respiratory assist device for delivering gas to a patient to assist the patient in breathing. 2. The device comprises mouthpiece means for use in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and which can be worn in the mouth area of a patient, said mouthpiece means being supplied from said humidifying gas transport means. The respiratory assist device according to claim 1, wherein the respiratory assist device is configured to receive the supplied humidified gas. 3. The respiratory assist device of claim 2 wherein said mouthpiece means includes gas outlet means for exhaling a patient's breath through said mouthpiece means to the surrounding environment. 4. The respiratory assist device of claim 1 or 2, including means for closing the nasal passages to prevent inhaled humidified gas from being exhausted directly from the patient's nasal passages. 5. The mouthpiece means as claimed in claim 1, wherein said mouthpiece means is connected to said humidifying gas transport means by universal joint means allowing a gas flow passage to be closed and allowing relative pivotal movement. Respiratory aids. 6. The lip separation means which can be used to keep the patient's lips separated to allow inhalation of humidification gas from the patient's mouth, and at least a portion of the patient's teeth. Wherein said lip separating means provides a gripping surface for retaining said mouthpiece means in the patient's mouth when the patient closes his lips. Item 7. A respiratory assist device according to item 1 or 2. 7. The control means controls the pressure of the gas supplied by the gas supply means when the humidity of the gas changes.
The respiratory assist device according to claim 1 or 2. 8. The control means determines a difference between a predetermined required humidity value and a humidity value displayed on the gas humidity display means, and the control means determines a predetermined required pressure value and the gas value. Determining the difference between the pressure value and the value displayed on the pressure display means, determining the average value required for the pressure increase with respect to the temperature by dividing the difference between the pressure values by the difference between the humidity values, and 3. The respiratory assist device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the means controls the variable pressure adjusting means to increase the pressure of the gas until the predetermined required pressure value is obtained at the required average increase value. 9. The humidifying means comprises humidifying chamber means capable of storing a predetermined amount of water, and heating means for heating the water into steam in the humidifying chamber means. 3. The respiratory assist device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the water vapor passes through the wet chamber means and thereby is humidified. 10. The respiratory assist device according to claim 1, wherein the gas pressure indicating means includes a speed sensor for sensing a speed of the gas passing through the humidifying gas conveying path means. 11. The pressure adjusting means comprises a variable speed fan and the gas pressure indicating means comprises a speed sensor for sensing the speed of the fan to provide the control means with pressure information of the gas. Item 7. A respiratory assist device according to item 1 or 2. 12. The respiratory assist device according to claim 1, wherein said gas humidity display means comprises a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of said heating means in order to provide said control means with humidity information of the gas. 13. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein the initial humidity value determined from the gas humidity display unit is about 75% of a required humidity value.
The respiratory assist device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the above is the case, the pressure adjusting means is controlled to increase the gas pressure from zero to a predetermined required pressure value over a predetermined period. 14. When the initial humidity value determined from the gas humidity display means is a predetermined difference lower than a required humidity value, the control means increases the gas pressure from zero to a predetermined required pressure over a predetermined period. 13. The respiratory assistance device of claim 12, wherein said pressure regulating means is controlled to increase to a value. 15. The respiratory assist device of claim 14, wherein said predetermined difference is about 10 ° C. 16. A gas supply means, a gas pressure adjustment means, a gas humidification means, a humidification gas transport means, and a control means for storing predetermined required pressure values and humidity values programmed to execute the next step. Operating the respiratory assist device comprising: i) starting the gas humidifier to humidify the gas from the gas supply, ii) sensing a pressure indication of the gas, iii) displaying a humidity indication of the gas. Iv) determining a pressure value difference between a predetermined required pressure value and said sensed indicated pressure value; v) a humidity value between a predetermined required humidity value and said sensed indicated humidity value. Determining the difference; vi) dividing the pressure value difference by the humidity value difference to calculate an average value required for pressure increase with respect to humidity; andvii) controlling the gas pressure adjusting means to obtain a predetermined required pressure value. The gas pressure is raised at the required average rise until it is obtained. 17. The method of claim 1, wherein the method comprises obstructive sleep apnea (OS).
17. The method of operating a respiratory assist device according to claim 16, comprising a step of supplying gas to a patient's mouth for use in the treatment of A). 18. The step of controlling the gas pressure adjusting means includes the following steps: viii) repeating the steps (ii) to (vii) to obtain the required average rise value of the pressure and the capability of the gas humidifying means. The gas is supplied continuously and continuously in accordance with the change.
Or the operation method of 17 respiratory assistance devices. 19. The method according to claim 19, further comprising the step of: (iii) following the step (iii) of sensing the humidity indication of the gas, wherein (iii-a) the humidity indication value of the gas initially sensed is 75 which is a predetermined required humidity value. % Or more, in this case,
Omitting the following steps (iv) to (vii), and wherein the control means controls the gas supply means to increase the pressure of the gas from zero to a predetermined required pressure value over a predetermined period;
A method for operating the respiratory assist device according to claim 16 or 17. 20. Following the step (iii) of sensing the humidity indication of the gas, the following steps are included: iii-a) The humidity indication value of the gas initially sensed is within a predetermined required humidity value range. In this case, the following steps (iv) to (vii) are omitted, and the control means controls the gas supply means to reduce the pressure of the gas from zero to a predetermined required pressure value for a predetermined period. 18. The method of operating a respiratory assistance device according to claim 16 or 17, wherein 21. The step of sensing the indication of the humidity of the gas is executed by a temperature sensor sensing the temperature of the heating means, and the control means is informed that the predetermined range is about 10 ° C. as gas humidity information. 21. The method of operating a respiratory assist device of claim 20, wherein the method comprises: 22. A method of treating obstructive sleep apnea, comprising the steps of: i) generating a gas flow, ii) increasing the gas flow, and iii) a patient through the mouth of the patient. Supply the navel gas stream. 23. The method of claim 2, wherein the method controls the pressure of the gas stream to increase the pressure as the humidity of the gas stream increases.
2 treatments. 24. The step of controlling the pressure of the gas stream includes the following steps: a) sensing a pressure indication of the gas; b) sensing a humidity indication of the gas; c) determining a predetermined required pressure value and Determining a pressure value difference between the sensed pressure value and d) determining a pressure value difference between a predetermined required humidity value and the sensed humidity value; e) determining the pressure value difference as the humidity value. 24.Calculate the required average rate of pressure increase over temperature by dividing by the value difference, and f) controlling the gas pressure at the required pressure rise average rate until the predetermined required value is obtained.
Treatment method. 25. The gas pressure control step is the step
25. The method of claim 24, wherein steps (a) to (f) are repeated so that the value of the average rate required for the pressure build-up is maintained continuously at all times. 26. Following the step (b) of sensing the humidity indication of the gas, if the initial sensed humidity of the gas is greater than or equal to about 75% of a predetermined required humidity value, then the control means will 25. The method of claim 24, including the step of controlling the supply means to determine increasing the gas pressure from zero to a predetermined required pressure value over a predetermined period of time. 27. Following the step (b) of sensing the indication of the humidity of the gas, if the initial sensed humidity of the gas is within a predetermined range of a required humidity value, in this case, the control means sets the gas supply means. Controlling the gas pressure from zero to a predetermined required pressure value over a predetermined period of time. 28. The step of sensing the indication of the humidity of the gas is executed by a temperature sensor sensing the temperature of the heating means, and the control unit determines that the predetermined range is about 10 ° C. as humidity information of the gas. 28. The method of claim 27, wherein the treatment is directed to a means.